🔗 Share this article 'People are intimidated' - the reasons 'powerhouse' Arsenal are the team to beat. Gabriel Magalhaes rejoices Arsenal's triumph over Crystal Palace It's obvious why Arsenal stand as numerous fans' preferred choice to secure the Premier League this season. Consider their outcomes against Fulham and Crystal Palace compared to those same matches in the previous campaign. The Gunners have defeated all of them this time around, but surrendered 10 points across those games as they faded in the title race previously. Impenetrable Rearguard Arsenal's defensive solidity is a key reason why they are seeming ready to ultimately achieve their title ambition. They lead the league for shutouts (6), shots let in (3), opposition efforts (72), shots on target faced (19) and anticipated concessions (5.3). The defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is arguably the finest in the league, with Arsenal maintaining a clean sheet in six of their first nine games. Set-Piece Proficiency Their threat from set-pieces is highly documented, but competing clubs still don't know how to neutralize the Gunners from these opportunities. They have notched 11 times from set-pieces in the league, two more than any other side, with 69% of their goals originating from these situations. "Arsenal can perform multiple roles now. The whole team has a daunting aura. People are just fearful of them and it is great to see." Championship Pedigree What is especially notable about Arsenal's commencement to the campaign is they have also encountered Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United away from home and Manchester City in their own stadium - and are still four points clear at the top. While they continue triumphing, their traditional rivals face difficulties. This marks the first time at this stage of the season since 1992 that none of Manchester City and United, Liverpool or Chelsea are in the Premier League top four. The expectations was on boss Mikel Arteta at the beginning, having invested around £250m on eight summer additions in quest of that elusive first title since 2004. But the investment has so far yielded results in style, with his side second top scorers in the league and possessing the most resilient defense, despite numerous injuries. Unbreached games in three consecutive Premier League games Over six hours without letting in a goal Only three goals in 12 games across all competitions Former players and pundits have labeled Arteta's men as a "unstoppable force, looking challenging to stop" with the whole club now operating with confidence and determination.